User:Matthew M/Week 12 - Pro-Social

Week 12 - 07/10/08 – Pro-Social
The textbook defines pro-social behaviour as behaviours which involve doing good for others or society and build on relationships and allows society to function. The definition can also involve obeying rules, conforming to societal norms and cooperation and help which are all forms of pro-social behaviour. The definition of pro-social behaviour is not only behaviour which affects individuals and those around them but the whole of society. Pro-social behaviours also include things such as forgiveness, obedience, conformity, helping others and more. An interesting theory which popped up however was the kin selection theory. This theory is about the evolutionary tendency to help those which have the same genes. It is said that people are more likely to help a sibling over a nephew or a cousin, both of which have a lower level of the same genes. According to the textbook it has been shown that whether it is in life or death situations or everyday life, people tend to help family members and their closest relatives over other people. There are various reasons as to why people help others and one reason is altruistic helping which is motivated by empathy an emotional response which is selfless and wants only to reduce others distress. Another completely opposite reason is egoistic helping which is motivated only to reduce personal distress without consideration of others.